122 4th Street, Libertyville YouTube video posted - via Circlepix.com

122 4th Street LIBERTYVILLE, IL 60048

New listing video just posted:

http://video.circlepix.com/73LHFH/35/781

Description: Tucked within Libertyville's desirable Heritage District our custom-built home is a perfect blend of yesteryear's style and today's amenities. Quality cement board siding is complimented by cedar trim which frames the inviting covered front porch. Professional landscaping is accented by a bluestone front walkway & paver patio. The private backyard is completely fenced, and houses a play set. Downtown Libertyville & the Des Plaines River Trail are only a short distance away.

The utmost of care was put into the craftsmanship of this Colonial-influenced home. Custom millwork carries throughout and includes solid panel doors, crown moldings, chair rail and wainscoting. Rich oak flooring is enhanced by soft decorator tones. Our center entry is flanked by a formal dining room, lit by a designer chandelier; and on the other side French doors lead to the den, capped with a coffered ceiling. Serving as a mudroom as well, the first floor laundry room has tile flooring. The washer and dryer remain. This home was built to satisfy Energy Star requirements--which translates to lower operating costs due to higher efficiency its construction.

Who wouldn't love this fabulous kitchen? With it's efficient design and stunning appointments, including dark hued oak flooring and an abundance of 42" glazed maple cabinetry it's the heart of the home! Under counter lighting brightens the tumbled marble backsplash and gleaming granite counters. Culinary masters take delight in the Viking Professional Series stainless steel appliances, including a gas cooktop with chimney hood, built-in convection microwave, a wall oven, dishwasher & built-in refrigerator along with a beverage cooler in the butler's pantry. Quick meals can be eaten at the breakfast bar while the spacious eating area is large enough to hold an extended table. Don't miss all the storage space--pantry cabinets as well as a walk-in!

A terrific focal point to the family room, is the brick gas-start fireplace--perfect for keeping warm and cozy on a winter's evening. The craftsman style oak staircase is thoughtfully tucked out of the way. Recessed lighting, built-in speakers and cove molding complete the room.

Double doors reveal the master suite, heightened by volume ceilings, garnished with recessed lighting and a delicate chandelier. The private spa bath offers a custom designed double sink vanity and linen tower, designer tile flooring & surrounds, private commode room, whirlpool tub, a separate shower with dual controls, and a large walk-in closet. A great spot to unwind at the end of your day.

Three generously sized secondary bedrooms share the second floor. All boast volume ceilings, great closet space and overhead lighting. Easily accessible, the hall bath is compartmented for shared use, and hosts a double sink vanity.

Professionally finished, the full basement has a marvelous open and functional design. Two continuous rec room spaces provide a terrific expansion of the home's living area. Plush carpeting coupled with recessed lighting add to the enjoyment of this bright space. For your added convenience there is a full bath--complete with a tiled shower. There’s lots of storage too!

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Home Information:

Beds: 4

Baths: 3.50

Sqft: 3000

Price: $837000

MLS #: 08583088

1913 Lynn Circle, Libertyville YouTube video posted - via Circlepix.com

1913 Lynn Circle Libertyville, IL 60048

New listing video just posted:

http://video.circlepix.com/SSVF9J/35/107

Description: Well placed to the rear of the community is where this fine traditional townhome is located. Quality built brick & Hardi-board siding exterior with custom finishing features inside & out are yours to enjoy and appreciate every day! Behind this residence are the Liberty Grove single family homes. The private balcony provides a tranquil oasis. Independence Grove Forest Preserve, with its 1100 acres of land and the 115 acre lake, is right outside your front door!

True to both Cape Cod and Colonial themes of the home's exterior design, custom touches are found throughout the interior. Fine crown moldings and chair railing compliment the gleaming hardwood flooring. As the focal point of the main living area, the remote controlled gas fireplace is highlighted by a marble surround and custom designed cherry mantle & mill work. Entertaining is truly enjoyable from the adjacent formal dining room. Plantation shutters and custom lighting make this room shine! Features include: designer paint tones; upgraded, plush neutral carpet & padding; solid interior doors; whole home sound system; security system; a large laundry room with utility tub and 18" ceramic tile floor; and an oversized 2 1/2 car heated garage, is complete with a professionally installed epoxy floor as well as cable access.

Your very own chef's kitchen that's both well designed and richly appointed with oak flooring, tile backsplash, and upgraded cherry cabinetry - capped with crown molding - is truly a culinary delight! Featuring an abundance of cabinets equipped with under cabinet lighting and topped with rich Zodiac counters, an extended breakfast bar, and a spacious walk-in pantry closet—this really is the heart of the home! Appliances include: gas cook-top, wall oven (convection too) and separate microwave, refrigerator, trash compactor and dishwasher. Enjoy your meals under the glow of the designer light fixtures. The four bar stools remain.

The dramatic family room is ready for relaxing and entertaining. A fabulous wall of custom built-in cherry cabinetry includes shelving, a sink, wine cooler and Zodiac counters. Designed to offer a variety of TV placement this is a room of marvelous space and intimate ambience.

A loft on the 2nd floor provides not only a perfect buffer space between the 2 bedrooms but a great space for a home office/computer room/music room.

French doors open into the master suite which really does provide a retreat anyone would welcome at the end of the day! Simple yet elegant this space enjoys 9 foot ceilings with cove molding, wood blinds, and an ample size walk-in closet with organizers. Prepare to pamper yourselves in the private bathroom en-suite with double bowl dark cherry vanity, twin wood trimmed mirrors and ceramic tile flooring. A spacious shower with custom tile, rain shower and frameless glass door complete the space.

Two ample-sized secondary bedrooms each have private bathrooms, with bedroom #2 complete with a whirlpool tub. Kohler fixtures with lifetime warrantees are found throughout the home. This particular model was originally designed to house an elevator. The custom window treatments remain.

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Home Information:

Beds: 3

Baths: 3.50

Sqft: 2550

Price: $438000

MLS #: 08582175

5 reasons buyer do not like homes...

Trulia has put together a list of 5 things that buyers hate about a home.  Sometimes, a buyer's complaint can be overcome.  Sometimes, that is not so easy.  Sometimes, it is completely out of a seller, and their agent's, control.  Fortunately, a skilled real estate agent can help minimize the negative impact of the several of the problem items that Trulia suggests are the biggest obstacles.   Interestingly, some of these items are created by a seller's doing.  While I am always an advocate of loving your home, and living it in so that YOU are happy, there is credence to re-sale.  A dramatic design that varies significantly from current trends and the norm, may be a big turn-off.  Even if you are not thinking of selling your home in the near future, it is probably a good idea to take a minute to read through this quick article. 

5 reasons buyer do not like homes and what your agent can do... http://ow.ly/uJbxO

ARM - let's hope they get it right this time...

The mortgage industry is constantly changing, evolving, adapting and adjusting.  Not only the interest rates, but the programs and opportunities as well.  One of the more difficult decisions some buyers face, is whether to take the traditional financing route of a lower risk fixed loan - or to head down the path of a less conservative adjustable rate mortgage (ARM).  How do you determine which program is the best option for you?  The best first step to take is to educate yourself - research the various loan programs that are available to you.  Find out what your credit score is, and how that can impact your financing options.  Ask yourself what your future plan is, with regards to housing - how long do you plan to live in the residence that you are financing?  And speak with a loan officer.  Someone who can interpret the programs, and explain them so that you have no doubt, misunderstanding, or confusion about which is the best loan for you to secure.

ARM - let's hope they get it right this time... http://ow.ly/uIY6t

2013-14 Cost vs. Value: Remodeling Pays Off Big Time

Considering some home improvements projects this year?  Do you know which ones may yield a better return?  And which may be more of a financial lemon?  Check out this NAR article from REALTOR Mag.  It's pretty sound advice.

I hope that there are some good ideas for mudrooms.  My newly remodeled one needs some help after my lab chewed the built-in bench cabinet beyond repair...

2013-14 Cost vs. Value: Remodeling Pays Off Big Time

Is buying cheaper than renting where you are? Check this list to find out...

In many parts of the country, the rental market has steadily picked up over the past few years.  There are a number of reasons people are renting instead of purchasing.  The burst of the housing bubble caused a significant loss of equity in a home - which translates to a lack of downpayment for many potential buyers.  Other sellers were underwater on their mortgages when they sold, and in addition to losing equity, also had to dig into savings to pay the difference in order to close the sale of the home.  Distress sales have left potential buyers with marred credit, in addition to the lack of funds to use to purchase.  That marred credit has caused mortgage investors and lenders to tighten their strings and be a bit more cautious with loaning money out to prospective homeowners.  And then there are those potential buyers who are "waiting in the wings" for the housing market to stabilize.  Renting, until they feel that the time is right to reinvest in the real estate market.

All of these factors have helped create a rental market with high demand in many areas.  As the law of economics has it - the higher the demand, the higher the price.  Most markets have experienced increased in monthly rents.  Without a checks and balance system, like appraisals in the buying segment, tenants are more apt to pay more for, if a property is in an area that they want to live in, or if the landlord is willing to accept the risks of a tenant's damaged credit.  With that being said - is it time for you to now consider buying a home?  Instead of signing another lease?

Is buying cheaper than renting where you are? Check this list to find out out...


http://ow.ly/uvQ5G

Exactly why are new homes bigger?

Remember the "McMansions" of the 1990's?  Well they are back!  Large homes become increasingly popular in the late 90's and early 2000's.  Smaller homes become more popular in the mid 2000's, as the economy suffered and the national real estate market tanked in many areas.  Larger homes equal greater living expenses - furnishing, landscaping, maintenance, utilities, insurance...you get the idea.  As home values decreased, and jobs suffered, home buyers turned to a more conservative approach, and focused on smaller houses.  That trend appears to be changing, as the average square footage of a home is on the rise - as well as the amenities found in larger homes:  more bedroom, baths, multiple car garages.  And the buyer composition is changing as well.  Buyers with higher credit scores typically manage their money well, and can handle the expenses that are associated with larger homes.

So, it looks like the Jones' aren't off the hook yet.

Exactly why are new homes bigger? http://ow.ly/u1tMu